Who said, "Well, I have never seen this method and would love to win that ruler."

Congratulations!

And to you quilters who avoid making half square triangles, try this ruler, I can't bear to think of the number of patterns you're missing out on by avoiding this block!

(which is my favorite by the way!!)

Now on to the 200th post giveaway . . .

I loved reading all the comments about your fabric purchases and I'm a little relieved to find out there's no secret formula that I was missing out on when it comes to buying just the right amount.

I was a little surprised by the number of folks who are really into those Charm Packs. I've never bought a charm pack, I'm more of a "get enough so you don't run out" kind of girl. And those charm packs, they don't look like they could make much of anything. I've made a couple of Miss Rosie patterns that called for charm packs, but I used scraps or fat quarters. But I'm drawn to patterns with small blocks, and I like variety, so I'm going to give those packs a try. What do I have to lose, 2 packs will run less than $20, and they don't take up much space.

Between the comments left on my blog, and the emails from folks who couldn't leave a comment, 123 quilters were in the running for the fabric.

The winner of the Fresh Palette by Carrie Nelson for Henry Glass Fabrics fat quarter bundle (now available online and at shops everywhere, or pretty much everywhere) is . . . .

" sometimes i buy fabric because it tells me to ... who am i to argue with a big old bolt of batik (or a fat quarter) who calls out my name as i am walking by?

did you know when you started blogging that you had so much to say?"

Dianne, when I started blogging, I knew I had lots to say, I'm a talker, but what has surprised me, is the number of folks who seem to enjoy listening!!!

Congratulations!

Now back to the trail, the Mocha Trail......

Several folks left comments on my Humility Block post saying maybe I was being a little hasty about eliminating background fabric with some red in it...so I gave it another try....

and am so glad I did! I like how this turned out, THANKS!!

This block is close to being another humility block,

I should have payed closer attention to how I cut out those corner squares, but I'm keeping it in.

So here's where I stand, and I have to say, right now, I'm a little underwhelmed.....

I'm not crazy about the block design in general, it's too big and plain. I'm more of a 9 inch block person, but I couldn't shrink these down without radically changing the 9 patches block so I stayed with the size called for in the pattern. I thought my lovely Maison de Garance fabric would be enough to jazz up the blocks, now I'm not so sure.

These blocks are taking forever to make, picking out the 3 fabrics, cutting the pieces for one block, sewing together one block, and I thought these blocks would be the fun part of this project. I have 3 or 4 more to go, then I'll start on the alternate 9 patches blocks, hopefully that will do something for these dull blocks and perk up my design wall, and my mood!!

First, Congrats to the winners!Second... Are you crazy? Those look fantastic! When I go through a blog post I first look at this pictures (who doesn't? Do you think that comes from our infancy when we were first given Picture books?), anyway, I paused at the plaid block and did a double take. I loved it. Then I looked at the layout and said, "that is going to finish up reeeaaal nice." Then when I read you were underwhelmed I was quite taken aback. I had not even noticed those corner blocks until you mentioned them, and when the quilt is put together, the last thing you will notice are those corners. I say stick to it. And if after you are done, you still hate them, send them my way, I'll give them a wonderful home! :P

You are at the "What on earth was I thinking" stage of a project. This happens to me all the time when the quilt just doesn't look like I had envisioned it and I lose interest and it starts to creep toward the UFO closet! I'm sure when you make the alternate blocks you will love it again.

Don't fret. You will love the way the whole quilt looks once you get those alternate blocks made. Be patient and enjoy the process.I loved Quilter Kathy's comment about you being at the "what was I thinking?" stage. You'll see, it will come together!

I love those blocks and I'm sure you'll soon be persuaded of their beauty. The alternate blocks will enhance them and I think that when you come to lay all the blocks out you'll wonder why you ever doubted yourself! Have faith, it'll come good in the end.Congratulations to the winners - have fun!

Congrats to the winners :-)As to your humility blocks...I can't remember how these are all going together...but, if they were on point with lots of solid(as in unpieced) fabric in and around them, I'll bet they look different and better again.

Those blocks look fantastic. I love the combinations you have chosen. And with so many positive comments, you will be inspired to keep going. I'm sure when you have finished this quilt, you will be very proud of yourself!

Congratulations to the winners! This is one of my all time favorite blocks Thelma! I think you need a day off and then look again... or send them my way, I'd be happy to finish this quilt! :-)) Have a great day!

This quilt is going to be beautiful. This line of fabric is gorgeous, so I don't think it could make an ugly quilt. I love these two latest blocks you've made. Keep going. Now you have all of us waiting to see the final version!

I think the blocks are very pretty. I do understand growing weary of making the same block over and over. Sometimes I love a fabric line as well and then find it difficult to work with. I have been admiring Maison De Garance but I will be interested in hearing if you enjoy it when you are done. I bought Bon Voyage and am now wondering if it was a mistake.

Thelma,I think your blocks are beautiful!! I was oohing and aahing to myself as I looked at your pictures today. I believe when it all comes together with the other blocks and the borders it will be striking. I thought it looked like your poor "oops", "humility" block had the chicken pox. :) I agreed with the thought it wasn't the red in the background fabric but rather the competition of pattern sizes in the fabrics, that were side by side. Congratulations to those who were winners of your fun prizes! Thank you Thelma for your blog and your generosity. I enjoy learning from you. Oh, that is what I was going to tell you--save your "humility" block for the day you may teach a quilt class--a great learning tool for others! There is a lot to how the fabrics are placed together in a quilt--you do have a gift that way and your work is beautiful!!Beverly in WA state

p.s. re:charm packs. There have been times I have ordered them off e-bay to just get a feel for a fabric line. Often I am unable to get to a store to see fabrics first hand and am not sure if I want to invest or not for a quilt. I am often able to find them for under $6 each with shipping. They work good for the Schnibble table topper patterns.

OMG I laughed and laughed when you wrote that you were using the Easy Angle backwards..I've used that ruler for years and years and have always wondered why the numbers weren't right...I like to use the flat part of the ruler too. I'm liking your blocks a lot and I think when you put the other blocks in there and they're not sitting right next to each other they'll be really wonderful. Keep going!

Love your blocks. I have find the bigger patterns in some of the French General fabrics can overwhelm their blocks. A considerateion might be a strong color border strip and cornerstones between the blocks should you feel the blocks are fighting each other for attention.

I love these blocks! I'm glad you tried one with red in the background again - but in a smaller print. It really works. I know you'll work out what ever is bothering you about these blocks because you're always so good about that. Your solutions always make the quilt even more beautiful when we all think that could not be possible!